William Gronow-Davis

William Gronow-Davis (1941 – September 20, 2015) was the last partner of Michael Pitt-Rivers and inherited Rushmore Estate on his death.[1]

Rushmore Estate

Larmer Tree Gardens

The Rushmore Estate had been in the Pitt-Rivers family for generations and was once described by novelist Thomas Hardy as "quite the prettiest sight I ever saw in my life."[2]

In 2009 Gronow-Davis built a 65ft folly, the tallest folly to be built in England in more than 100 years.[3]

Career

Gronow-Davis was an established artist and held bi-annual exhibitions.[4] Gronow-Davis and his partner Pitt-Rivers were both collectors of art, especially Asian works of art. At his death in 2016 Gronow-Davis's art collection was auctioned off by Duke's.[5]

Personal life

Gronow-Davis was the younger lover of Michael Pitt-Rivers, conservationist and owner of the Rushmore Estate, and moved to King John’s House, at Tollard Royal in Wiltshire in 1961.[5] When Pitt-Rivers died in 1999, the Trust which runs the estate was inherited by Gronow-Davis, who vowed to continue his conservation work.[2]

At William Gronow-Davis' death on September 20, 2015, the Larmer Tree Gardens estate was valued £50 million.[2]

References

  1. ↑ "Outdoors: The thrill of the Chase", The Independent, 8 August 1998 .
  2. 1 2 3 "Who will get their hands on £50million estate - Lady Dotcom or Prince's pal? Battle looms for control of one of Britain's most enchanting country homes". Retrieved 4 October 2017.
  3. ↑ "Millionaire builds 65ft folly on estate". Retrieved 4 October 2017.
  4. ↑ William Gronow Davis: New Paintings. Hambledon Gallery. 1972. Retrieved 4 October 2017.
  5. 1 2 "Art collection of William Gronow-Davis to feature in Duke's auction". Retrieved 4 October 2017.
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